To think Mumsnetters should change usernames more often?

[primrosestill]

I'm just following up on a recent thread about Mumsnetters who have been "outed" in real life. Lots of people said they had been, and even more said they had recognised people on Mumsnet, either from their unique stories, or from joining the dots between little pieces of personal info across multiple threads, or from photographs (e.g. of pets) that had also been shared on Facebook or elsewhere. Once you've been even vaguely recognised, your whole thread history can be located using Advanced Search, or even just by Googling the word Mumsnet along with the username.

It's easy to change your username. You just go to settings, overwrite the name, add your password and click save (you might get an error if it's not unique, so keep trying). Mumsnet rules say you can change the name as often as you like, so unless you really do want to build up a profile across multiple threads (fine if you do), why leave a trail for others to follow?

And have you had any problems Oakmaiden? I haven't

Nope. Nothing to see here (or in any of my posts, to be honest!)

Actually, it was my Mumsnet 17th birthday. I can't count.

This is my 3rd user name since I joined in 2017. I kept the first one about 2 years until my ass-hole ex deliberately went looking to find it. I changed immediately. Had the second name a few months then swapped to MrsT, which I've had a little while. I'll change it if I feel the need and I've used throw away names to post anything specific or outing.

I've had the same name all the time I've been here. Don't feel any need to change it - certainly not because some poster on here starts s thread telling me I ought to.

I don't think I've ever posted anything I'd be ashamed of in real life, so I don't bother namechanging- it's a faff.

I like my username and don't want to change it. I don't post anything that I wouldn't say in real life.

I'm not that bothered.

I started namechanging regularly after MNTrolls became a thing. I change every couple of months or so. Before that I had only 2 or 3 names for 10+ years.

It depends how you use the site, doesn't it? I have needed support about a very traumatic, sensitive issue, so NC for that, particularly as I included photos. I have also posted other specific information about myself under different profiles, either to offer or request support. You may feel it's anonymous, but it's so easy to inadvertently recognise someone. I came across my SIL's sister, only because I'd seen her post a photo of snow on FB, then by chance saw exactly the same one on here.

If you never post identifying or sensitive information, then you're perhaps less likely to need to change.

I change sometimes as my work is quite strict about all social media use and political opinions.

There's a user I've thought for a while might be my SIL, she popped up on a CV thread the other day talking about her concerns about her upcoming holiday; same dates, sexes and ages of DC, DH (my DB) with asthma and basically the same conversation I'd had with her that day. I won't out her as she's made some comments about her MIL (my DM) that she'd be mortified to think I knew and she'd worry I'd tell DM. I wouldn't and they're accurate (well meaning but over bearing sometimes, I put my foot down with her and DS more than SIL probably feels she can with DNs). A name change would be a good thing for her.

It surely depends what you post/how much privacy you would like?

Of course. But some people don't know you can name change, or how to do it. On the other thread a few people asked for instructions which made me realise it isn't obvious.

A pp asked me why I care. Well I think we should all care when we see people in vulnerable situations, who almost certainly would want to remain anonymous, exposing themselves to being recognised. It's just good citizenship.

@JoshArcherStoleMyTractor maybe you should pm your relative to let them know (anonymously) that they've been recognised and tip then off on how to nc. You would be doing her a favour.

i find myself wholeheartedly agreeing with myself, and have to resist the urge to post in case i am accused of sock pupetting

I change weekly. It’s not in the slightest that I don’t stand by my opinions or am unpleasant, I simply recognise that anyone who thinks a turn of phrase, anecdote, insight etc is familiar could, if they advance-searched and I’d kept the same name since 2011, piece together my age, nationality, approximate location, the fact that I went to [often-discussed elite university x] and used to live in [ often-discussed British expat destination y], number of children, job, DH’s job, and a lot more.

As I don’t want to have to change significant details every time I post about anything that mentions my own life, I NC.

@JoshArcherStoleMyTractor maybe you should pm your relative to let them know (anonymously) that they've been recognised and tip then off on how to nc. You would be doing her a favour

Don't do that, I would find it creepy as fuck if someone messaged me telling me to name change.

I think it's creepier when you recognise someone but don't tell them. Even if you don't go rooting around in their thread history, you're reasonably likely to spot them on future threads.

I change a lot since the data breach and extra ramped up trolling/Reddit rudeness.

I use MN for anonymous advice and my real life friends for contextual advice. I also love sharing points of view and learning a thing or two. But I'm a very private person and hate the idea of someone 'thinking' they know me.

Obviously I disagree. I don't take this place 'that' seriously. Where I feel need to police their name changes. Like they need guidance.

I'm stuck with mine because everytime I try to change it I get told that the password doesn't match my account, so hey ho,

Some people like having a posting history. I like that there are recognisable people, it makes it all feel more social.

I often spot bertiebotts & other regulae posters on threads, we don't always agree on stuff but i know they will have a perspective to share & it makes it all more interesting when you feel you know a bit more about people from previous interactions.

I change regularly, why not. Why let people in real life find out so much about you. Nothing to hide or be ashamed of but I don’t see why any Tom Dick or Harry should know everything about me.

It must be nice to have real life support for your mental health, job issues, sex life, problems with you in laws, food, foof, whatever. Good for you.

Many of us turn to Mumsnet. Someone on the 'spicy foof thread' said they used yoghurt. If you know that's Janet from accounting YOU might be fine, with it. She might be mortified. The more you share, not just your own threads, your throwaway column, the more likely you are to be recognised.

I don't post all that frequently but I do change name every so often. I've posted for advice here and secret things I wouldn't want anyone knowing. It's almost like a therapy you can say anything and people (will judge) but they don't know you. I've posted about leaving my husband, my children, having an affair, mental health. If somebody I knew was on here they could easily work out through some posts it was me and out my affair. Same when I offer advice I've given personal details that could be traced, nc is definitely worth it if you post like the majority.

I don't bother to change my username. It's the internet, i don't tell the truth about important real aspects of my life and i fabricate harmless details frequently.

Maybe MN should get rid of the advanced search feature, I don’t think it provides anything positive at all.

I never have but I don’t use MN in a way I would need to. If I thought I needed to name change to post something it means I shouldn’t post it.
But I understand why people want to. I also think it’s handy for trolls though.